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Hello! I’m Zahra Merchant, a multidisciplinary visual artist and designer with a passion for character design, illustration, and concept development. I thrive when collaborating with directors and production teams to shape visuals from early ideation through final execution, and I enjoy mentoring others and exploring hybrid approaches that blend traditional techniques with digital media. My work spans animation, film, education, and museum contexts, where I create cohesive visual language, design assets, and engaging storytelling elements. I love turning ideas into tangible visuals that resonate with audiences and support strong narrative outcomes.…Hello! I’m Zahra Merchant, a multidisciplinary visual artist and designer with a passion for character design, illustration, and concept development. I thrive when collaborating with directors and production teams to shape visuals from early ideation through final execution, and I enjoy mentoring others and exploring hybrid approaches that blend traditional techniques with digital media. My work spans animation, film, education, and museum contexts, where I create cohesive visual language, design assets, and engaging storytelling elements. I love turning ideas into tangible visuals that resonate with audiences and support strong narrative outcomes.

Zahra Merchant

Character Designer, Illustrator, Storyboard Artist, +2

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Hello! I’m Zahra Merchant, a multidisciplinary visual artist and designer with a passion for character design, illustration, and concept development. I thrive when collaborating with directors and production teams to shape visuals from early ideation through final execution, and I enjoy mentoring others and exploring hybrid approaches that blend traditional techniques with digital media. My work spans animation, film, education, and museum contexts, where I create cohesive visual language, design assets, and engaging storytelling elements. I love turning ideas into tangible visuals that resonate with audiences and support strong narrative outcomes.…Hello! I’m Zahra Merchant, a multidisciplinary visual artist and designer with a passion for character design, illustration, and concept development. I thrive when collaborating with directors and production teams to shape visuals from early ideation through final execution, and I enjoy mentoring others and exploring hybrid approaches that blend traditional techniques with digital media. My work spans animation, film, education, and museum contexts, where I create cohesive visual language, design assets, and engaging storytelling elements. I love turning ideas into tangible visuals that resonate with audiences and support strong narrative outcomes.

Available to hire

Hello! I’m Zahra Merchant, a multidisciplinary visual artist and designer with a passion for character design, illustration, and concept development. I thrive when collaborating with directors and production teams to shape visuals from early ideation through final execution, and I enjoy mentoring others and exploring hybrid approaches that blend traditional techniques with digital media.

My work spans animation, film, education, and museum contexts, where I create cohesive visual language, design assets, and engaging storytelling elements. I love turning ideas into tangible visuals that resonate with audiences and support strong narrative outcomes.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Character/ Costume Designer at Rising Tides Films

March 1, 2026 - Present

Create character and costume designs in collaboration with the director and producer, from early exploration through final looks.

Character Designer at Studio Homestead

November 1, 2025 - March 1, 2026

On 'The Juniper Tree' an independent short film with production to be funded through Kickstarter. Responsible for turnarounds, character expressions, pose sheets and ideation.

Certified Behavior Technician at Northwest Behavioral Associates

September 1, 2025 - Present

Implement individualized Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs) using ABA methodologies to teach adaptive skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Collect and analyze behavioral data to support treatment planning and progress tracking; communicate updates to interdisciplinary teams; assist with functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and contribute to documentation and reporting; coordinate with therapists, families, and supervisors to ensure consistent implementation of care plans.

Creative / Production Intern at Disney Television Animation

June 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024

Supported production teams by preparing design assets, organizing files, and assisting with scheduling and review sessions; designed special poses and turnarounds for Chibi Tiny Tales and other short-form series; addressed notes from directors and lead character designer; participated in cross-departmental meetings and contributed to a collaborative episode pitch.

Illustrator at Smithsonian American Art Museum

January 1, 2023 - May 1, 2023

Illustrated a 5-page comic on Barbara Jones-Hogu, published digitally by the Smithsonian Institution; coordinated with curators and faculty to meet tight deadlines and implement iterative revisions.

Character Artist Intern at Disney Experiences

May 1, 2022 - August 1, 2022

Produced character illustrations for style guides and franchise portfolios across multiple IPs; reviewed and corrected 3D product designs from concept through final production; collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure brand consistency and timely delivery.

Character/Costume Designer at Rising Tides Films

March 1, 2026 - Present

Collaborated with the director and producer from early exploration through final looks to create character and costume concepts for film projects.

Creative/Production Intern at Disney Television Animation

June 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024

Supported production teams by preparing design assets, organizing files, scheduling, and assisting with review sessions; contributed to design iterations.

Mentorship Coordinator at Illustration Department, Ringling College of Art and Design

January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025

Matched mentors and mentees; facilitated portfolio reviews, internship prep, and professional development.

Art Instructor at Anna’s Art Lab

January 1, 2020 - Present

Taught fundamentals of art to students aged 3–18, designing inclusive curricula across traditional and digital media.